267 replies to this topic

[Megrez]

Actually, we've had great luck with NJT, Love it! Excellent to Penn Station to visit BH Phot, Times Square etc. We are staying at the Mahwah Super8, we Uber to the train station, but I am driving my car so its just 15 minutes to RCC. I also have family in NJ, so its a nice trip.

[GlobularLover]

NEAF is still not what it use to be pre-Covid.

In what way, Slav ?

[GlobularLover]

Just a reminder....we have the 2025 Speakers, past NEAF Talks, and previous Podcasts available at the Facebook site:

 

https://www.facebook...100069026688677

 

Over 90% of the posts are NEAF and NEIAC-only, so you may find it convenient to scroll down and see who's speaking at NEAF 2025 if you spend lots of time on FB...which previous speakers we've uploaded to NEAF Talks on the YouTube channel.....and now the Podcasts from Radio Row.  

[GlobularLover]

Well, I've been to all of them since NEAF's humble beginnings. Last year was not great, and is having me thinking 50/50 if I will attend this year or skip it for the first time, particualrly with over a 2 hour drive. I would like to see a complete list of vendors who will actually be there.  Karl

Karl, thanks for all your previous support of NEAF. 

 

No doubt last year was impacted by the Solar Eclipse, and with lots of us having to make last-second changes to our travel plans to see it, that just compounded the problem.  It was exhausting for many to track weather and cloud patterns the last few days leading up to April 8th.  People were moving around within states and planning new excursions to other states.  Our club had people initially plan to be in Texas and ending up in Vermont !    I can easily imagine lots of people on the fence deciding to take a year off.

 

As for vendors, we've actually added more new vendors since Covid than in the years before.  Our totals are in the ballpark if not higher than before (I haven't actually tallied them but I can tell from how much free space there is on the RCC floor).

 

The big factor that we saw with Covid is that lots of businesses -- not just the astronomy hobby -- found out that they could cut back on T&E and do the same or MORE business online.  Certainly, that was the case in 2020 and 2021.  Astronomy being an outdoor activity that lent itself to social distancing just turbo-charged that trend.  But ultimately, there's no substitue for seeing the equipment up-close...talking to fellow astronomers....and attending workshops or lectures and learning.

Edited by GlobularLover, 28 February 2025 - 08:05 PM.

[slavicek]

In what way, Slav ?

Number of vendors, quality of speakers (that is subjective), number of attendants.

[GlobularLover]

Number of vendors, quality of speakers (that is subjective), number of attendants.

(1)  We'll have the vendor total after NEAF, but remember coming out of Covid many people would still not travel.  And last year you had the eclipse.  Don't forget that a few people also passed on...some retired...some sold their business to non-astronomy companies...etc.  And then there was the experience with online sales taking off during Covid.

 

I think more vendors WILL come once we escape the shadow of Covid and the boost to online sales levels off....there aren't many (any ?  ) gatherings like NEAF where you can interact directly with hardcore astronomers and newcomers looking to outfit themselves as they start their new journey in our hobby.

 

(2)  I think the Speaker quality has been very strong.  In terms of name recognition, it's about as high as we've had.  Astronauts...Shuttle Commanders....lots of people you see on PBS, Science Channel, etc.  Like you said, it's subjective but remember we're bringing 7-8 quality speakers EVERY year.

 

(3)  We've seen a boost with online ticket buyers, newcomers, and CCD imagers.  Again, online buyers after Covid is something we all have to contend with.  B&M fatigue is something we are all fighting against.

 

As NEAF learns to utilize social media and utilize our partnerships for expanded outreach, we are hopeful of a quantum leap in attendees to NEAF.  The boom in astronomy and other outdoor activities (like camping and hiking) spurred by Covid will ultimately benefit us all. 

 

Don't mistake lumpy numbers coming out of Covid for a lower trend -- we've bounced back and will now only get stronger.  The boom in CCD Imaging among 1st-timers is astounding, haven't seen anything like it in my nearly 30 years of active engagement.

 

Thanks !! 

Edited by GlobularLover, 28 February 2025 - 10:41 PM.

[slavicek]

I agree with you 100% as far as Covid etc, so it should be no surprise (and no shame) that the numbers were down. 

I just tried to state the facts I saw while attending NEAF in the past. I am sure the numbers and quality will go up in the future - unless we got into recession or something which will affect the economy. Hobbies are sensitive to that for obvious reasons.

[Universe83]

The 2025 NEAF exhibitors (to date) are yellowed at the bottom of the NEAF home page.  Need to use a computer (the mobile version does not have the update yet).

[slavicek]

If you read this message till the end it will likely make your day:

I went over the list of the vendors attending NEAF and I just realized that I need lot more stuff then I originally thought I need. The only think which can now save me from going on a spending spree is the fact that I am having COLONOSCOPY done on Friday, day before NEAF! So, if the procedure takes a wild turn then I may not be able to attend. Unfortunately, I am not able to give an example here of what could go wrong during the procedure because I'd likely be banned from CN but if you use little bit of imagination you will get the idea. 

[GUNER]

Don't you worry slavicek.  If you get laid up I'm working both days at NEAF & I will pick up what ever you need.

[Tony Flanders]

Here are the schedules for the Rockland County bus system.

[George N]

The 2025 NEAF exhibitors (to date) are yellowed at the bottom of the NEAF home page.  Need to use a computer (the mobile version does not have the update yet).

 

Nice to see an actual list of who will be there this year!   ....and that's a pretty good selection too; although one or two makers I'd like to talk to are not on the "yellow" list - there seems to be enough to pull me in for a day.

 

From what I see in a quick rundown is -- there are only two "general store" types - the 'store front' sellers with tables of things like filters, dew straps, eyepieces, some used stuff, etc. High Point for example is missing, as are others that we generally buy from on-line. For people who see NEAF as "a trip to the astronomy store to browse for good discounts" - that's not good news. Most of the Exhibitors are makers (who won't sell you anything - ZWO being an exception, they will sell you some of their items - mostly the low-end cameras), and groups and organizations that want to tell you about what they have to offer.

 

If you are looking for detailed information from, say Bisque or Losmandy or Celestron or Astro Physics - or to see what your fav astro org is doing - or you want to attend excellent presentations - it looks good. If you have a list of a dozen small astro-gizmos you want to buy and maybe find something you didn't know you need - the 'pickings' will be limited. If you have some reasonably expensive thing in mind to buy - say a good-name 70mm APO -- I would suggest calling one of the two "stores" on the list and have them bring it for you.

 

<< Camera Concepts and Woodland Hills are both in yellow - I have bought from both in the past, both on-line and at NEAF - they should have a good selection. ADM is always a good booth for those needing precision mechanical parts, like dovetail bars - and he will work with you to order costume parts too. >>

Edited by George N, 03 March 2025 - 11:36 AM.

[GlobularLover]

NEAF 2025 SPEAKERS:  These speakers are confirmed for the 29th Annual Northeast Astronomy Forum to be held Saturday and Sunday, April 5th-6th:

 

Gerry Griffin, Apollo Flight Director.....Eileen Collins, First Female Shuttle Commander.....Jonathan Ward, Author.....Sara Seager from MIT, "Searching for Life on Exoplanets" .....Tom Mulder, Boeing Starliner.....Jamie Rankin, Voyager- 45th Anniversary Discussion....Bob Pappalardo, Europa Mission Project Scientist - Jet Propulsion Laboratory.....Robert "Hoot" Gibson, NASA Astronaut & Multiple Space Shuttle launches.....Peter King, CBS Space Correspondent

 

As always, these speakers may have changes in their schedule for personal or professional reasons.  Scheduled day of appearance and times are also subject to change.  Check back at the NEAF website as we approach NEAF for a firmed-up schedule of days and times.

 

https://www.neafexpo.com/

Edited by GlobularLover, 09 March 2025 - 06:34 PM.

[GlobularLover]

The 2025 NEAF exhibitors (to date) are yellowed at the bottom of the NEAF home page.  Need to use a computer (the mobile version does not have the update yet).

So far 93 vendors....pre-Covid we would be right at that level, give-or-take.  That's a pretty good retention rate; other hobbies I track have elminated or are considering eliminating shows.  And as many of you know AIC is no more. 

 

Check back as more names are added:

 

https://www.neafexpo.com/

 

REMINDER:  Personal or professional demands may result in any vendor having to change plans.

[Ali Maleki]

So far 93 vendors....pre-Covid we would be right at that level, give-or-take.  That's a pretty good retention rate; other hobbies I track have elminated or are considering eliminating shows.  And as many of you know AIC is no more. 

 

I wonder how "confirmed" the highlighted names really are. One of them was a local store to me that went out of business a decade or so ago. 

The link on the NEAF site takes you to the company's Facebook page where the last comment is from Feb 28, 2016!

[George N]

I wonder how "confirmed" the highlighted names really are. One of them was a local store to me that went out of business a decade or so ago. 

The link on the NEAF site takes you to the company's Facebook page where the last comment is from Feb 28, 2016!

If it's an "Exhibitor" (official name) like Celestron or similar - you can be pretty confident that they will be there.

 

If you are expecting to buy a specific product or want to talk to a manufacturer representative about something you have, or are considering buying -- you can always call to see if they are actually going.

 

In past years - 4 or 5 times - I called a specific vendor, told them what I wanted to buy, and they brought the item with my name on it - holding it until I got to them. Worked like a charm.

[Ali Maleki]

If it's an "Exhibitor" (official name) like Celestron or similar - you can be pretty confident that they will be there.

 

 

I was pointing out that evidence strongly suggests that one of the highlighted companies no longer exists!

[JimB1]

Well, I've been to all of them since NEAF's humble beginnings. Last year was not great, and is having me thinking 50/50 if I will attend this year or skip it for the first time, particualrly with over a 2 hour drive. I would like to see a complete list of vendors who will actually be there.

Karl

E.O.H.
 

Chesmont Astronomical Society - https://www.chesmontastro.com
Galaxy Log - www.youtube.com/user/GalaxyLog4565
The Astro Observers -https://www.youtube....K_PScnqVdnrcQHw
Galaxy Log Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/galaxylog
Waite Renegade 20” f/3.3
Orion UK 12" f/4 Dob
Bresser 8.2" f/3.9 Dob
High Point GSO 6" f/5 newt.
Astro-Tech 4” f/7 ED refractor
E.S. FirstLight 102mm f/6.47 refractor.
Celestron 10x60mm Binos

I have an hour+ drive and I was thinking of skipping this year because last year was a little meh but will probably only go up Saturday this year and not stay over. 

[GlobularLover]

We have over a dozen new vendors this year at NEAF 2025 !!   

 

As the older, 1st generation of family-owned and small businesses geared to astronomy gets acquired or closes down (sometimes for Covid-related factors)....it's good to see a new generation of Astronomy and CCD-related businesses spring up and show their wares to NEAF attendees.

Edited by GlobularLover, 22 March 2025 - 09:50 AM.

[GlobularLover]

I was pointing out that evidence strongly suggests that one of the highlighted companies no longer exists!

No, they were there !!     Was there in 2024, and back in 2025. 

 

The non-Yellow names on that list are possibly sponsoring or advertising at NEAF 2025 (no presence at NEAF 2025).....and other names there may have been present at NEAF in the past....but all the yellow-highlighted names are paid and/or confirmed for NEAF 2025. 

 

Hope that clears that up.

Edited by GlobularLover, 22 March 2025 - 10:47 AM.

[mich_al]

I have an hour+ drive and I was thinking of skipping this year because last year was a little meh but will probably only go up Saturday this year and not stay over. 

Hour + drive ?   That's almost walking distance !  I gotta drive 45 minutes to get groceries.  I WISH NEAF was only a few hours drive.

[Universe83]

I am the one who has been yellowing the exhibitor names on the NEAFexpo website and it is up to date!  The Main Speaker schedule was put up on the site today.  https://www.neafexpo...peaker-schedule

[Ali Maleki]

No, they were there !!     Was there in 2024, and back in 2025. 

 

The non-Yellow names on that list are possibly sponsoring or advertising at NEAF 2025 (no presence at NEAF 2025).....and other names there may have been present at NEAF in the past....but all the yellow-highlighted names are paid and/or confirmed for NEAF 2025. 

 

Hope that clears that up.

If that's the case, please correct the link for Hands On Optics as it points to a Facebook page last posted to on 2016! 

I would also avoid clicking on the URL returned by Google search as it tries to install something on your computer.

 

Edited by Ali Maleki, 23 March 2025 - 11:28 AM.

[JimB1]

Hour + drive ?   That's almost walking distance !  I gotta drive 45 minutes to get groceries.  I WISH NEAF was only a few hours drive.

Yah I know compared to some I’m pretty close but usually I get a hotel up that way a stay over because 1.5 hr drive in NJ can easily turn into the most frustrating part of any day. 

[Universe83]

The link has been removed from Hands on Optics - am waiting for a better one to use.  They have 2 booths for NEAF 2025.